ACE O’CONNOR DOESN’T KNOW WEATHER A STORM IS AFOOT
CILLIAN O’CONNOR says he’s learned not to look at the weather forecast before big games in Salthill.
The seaside venue can be affected by high winds, destroying the best of gameplans.
It can be particularly problematic for free-takers like O’connor who are often make to look a little foolish by the swirling breeze.
Experienced attacker O’connor acknowledged the problem but said he’s learned not to get too hung up on it.
O’connor said: “It can be very breezy there at times alright. But I remember in 2015 we had all talked about the breeze and how it might affect us and it was the calmest day of the year when we eventually played.
“I’m not going to let the weather throw me off too much because God knows we could plan for the worst and it could be 30 degrees and sunny, or vice versa.
“I got scalded up there one year watching Mayo play Galway. Other times you could be caught in a thunder storm or high wind. Who knows.
“We’ll try to prepare for all eventualities but we won’t get too bogged down in it. It’s the same for both teams ultimately.”
Mayo are seeking to restore their provincial dominance after coming unstuck against Galway in Castlebar last year. That shock defeat cost Stephen Rochford’s men a shock at six Connacht titles in a row.
Galway went on to reach the All-ireland quarter-finals and have since gained promotion to Division 1 of the league.
It’s left bookies torn on who to back today though O’connor is viewing it as a good omen that he’s never lost at Pearse Stadium.
He said: “We beat Sligo there one year if I remember right and we won a minor game there too. I like playing there, it’s always a good pitch and a really good atmosphere.
“I have no complaints about the venue.”